Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier
Medieval (1100-1300 CE)·Zagwe·🇪🇹 Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia
About
About Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier in Amhara, Lalibela, Ethiopia is a Medieval (1100-1300 CE) rock_cut attributed to Zagwe. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal necropolis 6 × 4 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 12.0174N 39.0545E controls access to Amhara, Lalibela resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey rock_cut for Amhara, Lalibela, illustrating Zagwe construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction labor organization
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1200 CE
- Period
- Medieval (1100-1300 CE)
- Culture
- Zagwe
- Purpose
- Rock-cut tomb / hypogeum with funerary function
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1200 CE
Initial construction of Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier main structure
c. 1229 CE
Secondary occupation / refurbishment at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier
1987–2016
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
12.0174° N · 39.0545° E · 2622 m · 3 mapped features
Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier — Main Rock_Cut Feature
enclosurePrimary enclosure at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier — rock-cut facade with stratified deposits
12.0166° N · 39.0555° ELalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier — Secondary Enclosure
rock artAncillary rock art at Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier — rock-cut facade with stratified deposits
12.0190° N · 39.0560° ELalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier — Outlier Rock Art Panel
hydraulicOutlier hydraulic panel linked to Lalibela Biete Qeddus Mercoreos Cliff Cell Annex — Eastern Outlier ceremonial landscape
12.0181° N · 39.0537° E